Candidate Instructional Guide November 2024

Ballot Designation

UNACCEPTABLE BALLOT DESIGNATIONS

Any ballot designation that is prohibited by the Elections Code, is misleading, or otherwise improper shall be rejected. The following types of activities are distinguished from professions, vocations, or occupations and are not acceptable designations:

Avocations

An avocation is a casual or occasional activity, diversion, or hobby pursued principally for enjoyment and in addition to the candidate's principal profession, vocation, or occupation. Avocations may include, but are not limited to, hobbies, social activities, volunteer work, and matters pursued as an amateur.

Pro Forma Professions, Vocations and Occupations

Pro forma professions, vocations, or occupations are positions held by the candidate which consume little or none of the candidate's time and which, by their nature, are voluntary or for which the candidate is not compensated. Pro forma professions, vocations, and occupations may include, but are not limited to such pursuits as honorary peace officer, volunteer firefighter, honorary chairperson, honorary professor, goodwill ambassador, official host or hostess, and the like.

Statuses

A status is a state, condition, social position, or legal relation of the candidate to another person, persons, or the community. A status is generic and generally fails to identify with any specificity how the candidate earns their livelihood or spends most of their time. Examples of status include, but are not limited to philanthropist, activity, patriot, taxpayer, concerned citizen, husband, wife, and the like.

In addition, a ballot designation shall not:

• Be comprised of or include commercial identification information, such as a trademark, service mark, trade name, or the specific name of a business, partnership, corporation, company, foundation, or organization. Examples of improper use of commercial identification information include, but are not limited to, Acme Company President, UCLA Professor, Director Smith Foundation, and the like;

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Rev. 03/16/22